An ongoing investigation by the United Kingdom Food Standards Agency did not find a causal link between certain cat foods and more than 130 cases of feline pancytopenia, a potentially fatal illness. However, the investigation did identify high levels of mycotoxins in the cat food.
“This includes specific compounds known as T2 and HT2,” wrote agency officials in a press release. “These products are no longer on sale.
“Mycotoxins are found in some types of feed and food and do not, in themselves, indicate they are the cause of feline pancytopenia. No causative link between pancytopenia and the recalled cat food products has been established.”
An ongoing investigation by the United Kingdom Food Standards Agency did not find a causal link between certain cat foods and more than 130 cases of feline pancytopenia, a potentially fatal illness. However, the investigation did identify high levels of mycotoxins in the cat food.
“This includes specific compounds known as T2 and HT2,” wrote agency officials in a press release. “These products are no longer on sale.
“Mycotoxins are found in some types of feed and food and do not, in themselves, indicate they are the cause of feline pancytopenia. No causative link between pancytopenia and the recalled cat food products has been established.”
History of cat food recall and pancytopenia investigation
On June 16, the Food Standards Agency and other organizations advised cat owners not to feed their pets specific recalled pet food products correlated to a rare blood disease, feline pancytopenia. Pancytopenia is a rare condition where the number of blood cells (red, white and platelets) rapidly decrease, causing serious illness. Fold Hill Foods recalled dry, hypoallergenic cat food products it manufactures for several brands.
“As a result of these findings, Fold Hill Foods is working with its local authority to take steps to resume production,” according to the agency. “A multi-agency approach will continue to try and identify the causes of the pancytopenia. As new information emerges, we will review our approach on managing any identified risks in animal feed and inform industry so that they can take any action required as a result of our findings.”
While the agency didn’t identify a connection, officials have not ruled out cat food and the investigation continues.
